The Dam Safety Act,2021

Dam Safety Act,2021

This 2022 edition of The Dam Safety Act, 2021 (No. 41 of 2021, dt. 13-12-2021) presents India’s first nation-wide dam-safety framework verbatim, with concise short comments on the mandatory O&M manuals, emergency-action plans and GIS-based surveillance requirements.

Core statutory coverage

• National & State Dam Safety Authorities — composition, funding, powers to issue directions and levy penalties.

• Owner obligations — periodic inspection, instrumentation standards, safe water-release protocols and liability insurance.

• Design review & alteration permits — approval pathway for height increase, spillway modification or decommissioning.

• Emergency Action Plan (EAP) — downstream warning systems, mock drills and inter-state coordination.

• Offences & penalties — up to ₹ 1 crore corporate fine and imprisonment for wilful neglect leading to dam failure.

This edition is particularly suited for

• Dam owners, irrigation & hydropower departments and EPC contractors.

• Disaster-management authorities, NDRF planners and district collectors.

• Environmental-impact consultants and ESG auditors.

• AIBE candidates and law students focusing on infrastructure & environmental law.